Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quilon, Kerala, India

Quilon, India, Quilon, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quilon, Kerala, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid getting overcharged by auto-rickshaws by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey.
  • Knowledge of Local Rates: Be aware of the standard rates for auto-rickshaw rides in Quilon.
  • Negotiation Skills: Develop negotiation skills to avoid being overcharged.
  • Asking Locals for Help: Ask locals for help in determining a fair fare.

2. Fake Guides

Decline offers of unsolicited guides and research trusted local guides beforehand.
  • Researching Trusted Local Guides: Research and book a reputable guide before your visit.
  • Recognizing Fake Guides: Learn how to identify fake guides, such as their lack of proper credentials.
  • Staying Alert: Remain vigilant and avoid accepting unsolicited offers from strangers.

3. Temple Scams

Avoid scams at temples by declining unwanted offerings and gifts.
  • Understanding Local Customs: Learn about the local customs and traditions at Quilon's temples.
  • Recognizing Pressure Tactics: Be aware of pressure tactics that may be used to persuade you to make unwanted offerings.
  • Staying Respectful: Respect the sanctity of the temples and avoid causing disruption or offence.

4. Fraudulent Shopkeepers

Avoid fraudulent shopkeepers by doing research before purchasing items.
  • Researching Reputable Shops: Research and visit reputable shops in Quilon.
  • Asking for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on trustworthy shops.
  • Negotiating Prices: Negotiate prices before making a purchase to avoid overpaying.

5. Counterfeit Currency

Avoid receiving counterfeit currency by exchanging money only at reputable exchange centers.
  • Exchanging Money at Reputable Centers: Exchange your money only at reputable exchange centers in Quilon.
  • Checking Bills Carefully: Inspect the bills carefully, looking for any inconsistencies or errors.
  • Using ATMs Wisely: Use ATMs located in secure areas and only withdraw money during daylight hours.

6. Overpriced Accommodations

Avoid overpriced accommodations by researching and booking in advance.
  • Researching Affordable Accommodations: Research and book affordable accommodations in Quilon.
  • Negotiating Room Rates: Negotiate room rates with the accommodation provider if possible.
  • Reading Reviews: Read reviews of accommodations to ensure a positive guest experience.

7. Transportation Ticket Scams

Avoid transportation ticket scams by purchasing tickets only from authorized vendors.
  • Purchasing Tickets from Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets for public transportation only from authorized vendors.
  • Recognizing Fake Ticket Sellers: Be able to identify fake ticket sellers and avoid purchasing tickets from them.
  • Staying Aware of Surroundings: Remain aware of your surroundings while traveling, especially at busy transportation hubs.

8. Dining Scams

Avoid dining scams by researching trusted restaurants and inspecting bills carefully.
  • Researching Trusted Restaurants: Research and dine at reputable restaurants in Quilon.
  • Inspecting Bills Carefully: Inspect your bill carefully, ensuring it accurately reflects the dishes you ordered.
  • Negotiating Prices: Negotiate prices with the restaurant before dining, if possible.

9. Business Card Scams

Avoid business card scams by only accepting cards from trusted sources.
  • Recognizing Trusted Sources: Learn how to recognize trusted sources in Quilon.
  • Verifying Information: Verify the information on the business cards before engaging with the person offering them.
  • Staying Alert: Remain alert and cautious when accepting business cards from strangers in Quilon.

10. Theft at Beaches

Avoid theft at beaches by keeping valuables hidden and staying alert.
  • Keeping Valuables Hidden: Keep your valuables hidden and out of sight when visiting Quilon's beaches.
  • Staying Alert: Remain alert and aware of your surroundings while at the beach.
  • Using Secure Storage: Use secure storage options, such as hotel safes, for valuable items when possible.

11. Scams Involving Local Festivals

Avoid scams during local festivals by researching the customs and traditions beforehand.
  • Researching Festival Customs: Learn about the customs and traditions of Quilon's local festivals.
  • Recognizing Pressure Tactics: Be aware of pressure tactics that may be used during the festival, such as unwanted offers or demands for money.
  • Staying Respectful and Vigilant: Respect the customs and traditions while also remaining vigilant of potential scams.

12. Beware of Street Performers

Avoid being scammed by street performers by setting clear boundaries and avoiding unnecessary interaction.
  • Setting Clear Boundaries: Set clear boundaries with street performers, such as declining unwanted physical contact.
  • Avoiding Unnecessary Interaction: Avoid unnecessary interaction with street performers to reduce the risk of being scammed.
  • Recognizing Potential Scams: Learn how to recognize potential scams by street performers, such as demanding payment for a performance that has already taken place.

13. Fraudulent Tour Operators

Avoid fraudulent tour operators by researching and booking with reputable companies.
  • Researching Reputable Tour Operators: Research and book tours only with reputable tour operators in Quilon.
  • Recognizing Red Flags: Learn how to recognize red flags, such as overly aggressive sales tactics or poor reviews.
  • Negotiating Prices: Negotiate prices with the tour operator before booking to avoid unexpected fees.

14. Scams at Markets

Avoid scams at markets by haggling for fair prices and being aware of pickpocketing.
  • Haggling for Fair Prices: Negotiate prices with vendors to ensure a fair price.
  • Recognizing Pickpocketing Attempts: Learn how to recognize pickpocketing attempts and protect your belongings accordingly.
  • Staying Aware of Surroundings: Remain aware of your surroundings while shopping at markets in Quilon.

15. Scams Involving Taxis

Avoid taxi scams by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey and using reputable taxi services.
  • Agreeing on Fare Beforehand: Always agree on the fare with the taxi driver before starting your journey.
  • Using Reputable Taxi Services: Use reputable taxi services in Quilon, such as those operated by licensed companies.
  • Staying Alert and Aware: Remain alert and aware during your taxi ride to avoid any potential scams or issues.